Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory taste of perfectly seasoned chicken with a delightful surprise inside—creamy, cheesy broccoli goodness. That’s exactly what you get with Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This recipe is a family favorite that never fails to impress. It was inspired by a quest to elevate a classic chicken breast into something extraordinary while sneaking in a healthy vegetable.
Growing up, my mother was always on the lookout for ways to make our meals both delicious and nutritious. One evening, she came up with the idea of stuffing chicken breasts with a cheesy broccoli mixture. The result was nothing short of spectacular. Each bite was a comforting blend of tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and vibrant broccoli. As we gathered around the dinner table, the smell of the dish baking in the oven was almost as tantalizing as the taste itself. Now, this recipe is a staple in our household and a beloved dish that I proudly share with friends and family.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the perfect choice. They are not only delicious but also offer a balanced combination of protein and vegetables. Let’s dive into the details of making this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs
Garlic powder, cumin, or other spices
¼ cup olive oil, divided
Directions
1. Prepare the Broccoli Mixture
Cook the Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bowl and cover it with a large plate. Microwave the broccoli on high for 2 minutes to steam it.
Drain and Chop: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot). Drain the broccoli thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop the broccoli into small, pea-sized pieces.
Mix Ingredients: Transfer the chopped broccoli back to the bowl. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped chives, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. This cheesy, broccoli-filled stuffing will be the heart of your chicken breasts.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and retains its juiciness.
Create Pockets: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast. Be cautious not to cut all the way through to the other side; you want to create a pocket that will hold the stuffing.
Stuff the Chicken: Divide the broccoli mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Press the mixture firmly into each pocket to ensure it stays in place.
Season the Chicken: Season the outside of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the stuffing.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat the Oil: Divide the olive oil between two ovenproof skillets or large frying pans. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
Sear the Chicken: Place two chicken breasts in each skillet. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds a delicious crispy exterior to the chicken.
4. Bake the Chicken
Transfer to Oven: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillets to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the skillets from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier, more flavorful chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure they are cooked and chopped into small pieces.
Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute the cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend. Each will give the stuffing a unique flavor.
Spices and Herbs: Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor. Adding a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning can add an extra layer of taste.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese.
Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and omit the cream cheese, or use a dairy-free cream substitute.
Summary
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delectable and versatile dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. This recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
The combination of savory chicken, rich cheese, and fresh broccoli creates a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare. The process of stuffing and searing the chicken ensures a juicy, flavorful result every time. Plus, the ability to customize the filling and seasoning allows you to make this dish uniquely your own.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts are sure to impress and delight. Enjoy this comforting classic that blends the best of savory, cheesy, and wholesome ingredients into one spectacular dish.
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, providing a hearty base for the stuffing.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds a healthy vibrant vegetable component to the stuffing.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a creamy cheesy filling that complements the broccoli.
- 2 oz cream cheese at room temperature: Adds creaminess to the stuffing mixture.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs: Enhances the flavor with fresh herbaceous notes.
- Garlic powder cumin, or other spices: Used to season the chicken for added flavor.
- ¼ cup olive oil divided: Used for searing the chicken to create a crispy exterior.
- ¼ teaspoon salt for the stuffing: Essential for seasoning the stuffing.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper for the stuffing: Adds a mild heat and balances the flavors in the stuffing.
Instructions
- Place 3 cups of broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover with a plate, and microwave on high for 2 minutes to steam. Drain, chop into small pieces, and set aside.
- Transfer the chopped broccoli to a bowl. Add 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 oz cream cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli mixture, pressing the filling firmly into the pocket. Season the outside of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in each of two ovenproof skillets over medium heat. Sear two chicken breasts in each skillet for 3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the skillets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Spices and Herbs: Experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for added depth.
- Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a dairy-free cream substitute for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
